Archie's Bunker Backpackers

Archie's Bunker Backpackers is a BBH hostel located minutes away from the bus and the center of the city. It is large and spacious, with plenty of space to socialize or just relax. If you are only staying one night, they will not accept a credit card, so be prepared with cash.

The Location

This hostel is very centrally located, just two minutes away from the bus stop, and equally close to the center of the city, where all the shops and cafes are. The beach is only a block or so away. Parking may be a bit of a problem though, since all that is obviously available is street parking.

Rooms and Bathrooms

The dorms do not have lockers, but the doors lock securely every time they are closed. The beds are fully made up with all linen, and are relatively comfortable. The rooms are made up of bunk beds, and the frames can get a bit squeaky when people move around, which isn't so good if you're a light sleeper, but otherwise they are comfortable. They offer a variety of rooms, from eight-bed dorms to privates, so you have plenty of options.

The showers are spacious, with hooks on the wall and a small soap-dish in the shower. There is enough room to shower and change in the stall. The shower has good water pressure and good heating. Half of the toilets looked relatively new and like they were in good condition, but half of them appeared old and rather yellow.

Common Spaces

There is one common area on each floor; the second floor common area is much larger. Each has a television with SkyTV, several couches and chairs, and computers for internet use. The upstairs lounge also has several tables and chairs as it also functions as a dining room. Right off the upstairs lounge there is a small outdoor balcony with a bench and some seating. There is also a small book exchange available.

There is one kitchen for each floor and, again, the kitchen on the second floor is larger than the one on the bottom floor. They have plenty of space for your food, and are well equipped with cooking equipment. However, they get very dirty very quickly, and people always seem to be running into each other.

The hostel is not particularly social. People tend to stick with their groups rather than make an effort to talk to strangers; however, the walls are rather thin, so if anyone is up making noise, you will hear them in your room.

Summary

This hostel isn't particularly social, which can make it uncomfortable for the solo traveler, and the fact that the rooms aren't very insulated from noise and that the kitchen gets dirty quickly can make it a less-than-fabulous place to stay. But, the staff are friendly, the prices are cheap, the showers are clean, and the beds are comfortable, so it isn't a bad place to stay.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
March 2012